Prepare to be captivated by Alaska's breathtaking beauty on this ten-day adventure. Travel from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula through forests, around mountain ranges, and along the magnificent seashore. Explore the Denali National Park's pristine woodlands, keeping an eye out for grizzlies, caribou, and moose. In Valdez, cruise by icebergs and glaciers and discover the wide wilderness's serene, majestic stillness, unusual animals, and striking sceneries.
Highlights
Experience the rugged scenery of Alaska by land from Anchorage.
Join in a scenic bus tour journey through Denali National Park.
Discover Seward's bustling harbors, shops, and galleries.
Embark in a glacier cruise in Prince William Sound.
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
Welcome to Anchorage, USA. The Best of Alaska adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Located in south-central Alaska on the shores of Cook Inlet, Anchorage is a unique urban environment in the heart of the wilderness. Arrive early enough and explore the city by visiting the Anchorage Museum or the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
Day 2: Homer
1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
After your breakfast, you’ll drive from Anchorage to Homer along the scenic Turnagain Arm – an American Road passing Cook Inlet and named after British explorer James Cook, who was forced to ‘turn again’ when the waterway didn’t hold the Northwest Passage in 1778. Along the way, you’ll visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage Valley – a sanctuary that preserves local wildlife through conservation, education, research, and animal care. Learn how they take in injured and orphaned Alaskan animals and provide them with care, spacious enclosures, and a home. Surrounded by the Chugach Mountain Range, you’ll meet bison, moose, and deer and explore the conservation area before moving on to Homer for the night. When you arrive, you’ll head out on an included group dinner at a local restaurant.
Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
Included Activities:
Anchorage - Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Tour
Day 3: Homer
Today is a free day to explore Homer and the surrounding bay. You might want to head to the local bakery nearby for a breakfast of coffee and pastries, then take up one of the optional activities this gorgeous town has on offer. Explore on foot or book a tour of the bay. Maybe take the local ferry to explore the town of Seldovia, where you can take a wildlife boat tour, looking out for sea otters, bald eagles, ducks, orcas and more. If you’d prefer to kick back at the local winery, you can go for a tasting and tour in this afternoon. Tonight, just ask your trip leader for some local dinner recommendations.
This morning, you take a scenic drive on the Kenai Peninsula from Homer to Seward. Grab a window seat if you can because on a clear day, there are some gorgeous views of the turquoise lakes near Moose Pass, as well as the mountains and volcanoes in the distance. Pause in Moose Pass where you can take an optional kayaking tour. When you arrive in Seward this afternoon, head out on a short hike to the tongue of Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park – a major attraction of the park, this electric blue glacier is one of the most accessible valley glaciers in Alaska. After, check into your hotel in Seward and enjoy a free evening to explore the town or head to a local restaurant for dinner and drinks.
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
This morning after breakfast, you head to the docks for a full-day cruise of Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park – look out for wildlife like orca whales, porpoises, puffins, and other birdlife as you sail the still waters and explore the gorgeous surroundings. Marvel at the electric blue tidewater glaciers and if you're lucky you may get to see one 'calve' some ice into the sea. Enjoy lunch on the boat before cruising back to Seward. This afternoon, you may have some free time to head out on a hike or visit the Seward SeaLife Centre.
Today, hit the road again to drive along the Turnagain Arm (soak in those gorgeous views if you didn’t get a chance to last time) to the small town of Talkeetna. Along the way, stop in the town of Girdwood to take the Alyeska Aerial Tram to the top of Mt Alyeska for incredible views of seven glaciers and the valley below. Pause for a deli lunch at the top. When you arrive in Talkeetna, join your leader for a guided walk around town. Then you’ll have the rest of the day free to find a great dinner spot or explore the charming surroundings on foot.
Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
After breakfast this morning, you are free in Talkeetna to explore the town. Perhaps you book an optional scenic flight with a glacier landing to get up close to North America's tallest mountain: Denali. Later, you drive to Denali National Park. During the drive, keep an eye out for caribou and other wildlife hanging out in the unspoiled environment. When you arrive, your group checks out the Visitor Center, where you can learn about the park and hopefully catch a glimpse of the towering mountain in the distance. Take an afternoon to explore or relax and then head out for a group dinner at a local restaurant.
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Included Activities:
Denali National Park - Entrance Fee
Denali National Park - Visitor Centre
Optional Activities:
Talkeetna - Grand Denali Scenic Flight with Glacier Landing - $565 USD
Rise and shine early this morning to prepare for a scenic 'Alaskan safari' drive through Denali National Park. You take the Tundra Wilderness route, narrated by a trained driver-naturalist, that takes you to mile 43 of the Park Road. With Denali Mountain towering in the background, wind along the road hugged by mighty pine trees and framed by snow-capped mountains. As you pass the gorgeous scenery, look out for the abundant local wildlife – you might be lucky enough to see moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and wolves (among a long list of other wildlife) on your journey.
After breakfast this morning, you’ll return to where your adventure began in Anchorage. When you arrive, you’ll get to know this eclectic city during a tour with your leader. During the tour, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center where you’ll learn more about Alaska’s cultural heritage, hear the stories of the Indigenous Alaskans and discover 10,000 years of Alaska Native history through demonstrations, art and dance. After your walking tour and heritage center visit, you might like to get together with the group for a farewell dinner and reminisce about the highlights of your journey through Alaska.
Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
Included Activities:
Anchorage- Alaska Native Heritage Center
Anchorage - Leader-Led City Tour
Day 10: Anchorage, Alaska | Return Home
1 Breakfast
This morning, enjoy at leisure on your own before you check out. Explore the authentic old-school charm of Anchorage or before the tour, head to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, and check out the sights and sounds of the city and its nearby inlets and communities.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$5,490
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Initial deposit is $400 per person, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and a maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
9 Nights Accommodations
2 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
For those traveling internationally with Intrepid: emergency evacuation and medical insurance are mandatory, and comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See here for more details
Optional Activities
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
/277x222.webp)
